C.C. Historical Society's Then & Now Children's Room Grand Opening

The Cortland County Historical Society has created a new, interactive children's exhibit! The grand opening of Then & Now Children's Room is August 27, from 1-3 pm at The Suggett House Museum (25 Homer Ave, Cortland).

The Then & Now Children's room emulates an old-fashioned town, with a general store, barn, and cabin in the woods. Hands-on activities and historically accurate reproductions are designed to make children feel like they have traveled 100-200 years back in time. The exhibit includes an iPad for additional educational opportunities, connecting the past to the present. CCHS feels the play area is best for ages 4-6, but all are welcome to come and learn more about the past.

CCHS Director Tabitha Scoville describes the children’s room as an important step in connecting children to the past by sharing stories about people and events that shaped the history of Cortland County. “Children are the future, and they are the ones who will continue to preserve and protect local history when this generation is gone. We must keep the coming generations connected and interested in the stories of the past and how they are relevant to their own lives so that the children of today will be the story keepers of tomorrow.”

In addition to the grand opening of the children's room, a new exhibit will also open celebrating the history of education in Cortland County. This exhibit will host the unveiling of two recently conserved maps created by Caroline Chamberlin at the Cortland Academy during the 1820s. In addition, guests can expect to see photos of class long graduated, schools that once stood throughout the county, and fun student paraphernalia. Bring the little ones to show them exactly what it was like to walk to school in 2 feet of snow, uphill both ways.

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